From fallen tree to finished object, choices are made to bring out the very best from each piece of wood that comes my way.
I view my work first as sculpture, so, the shapes themselves are important to me.
Next I want the wood grain to be clearly defined. This is where most of the real work is because it takes a lot of sanding to let the grain show clearly.
Thirdly I view some of my work as functional or useful, such as, salad bowls, boxes,
spoons and small tables.
I use locally sourced wood that would go to land fill or to the shredder as mulch
for most of my work. I give the wood a second life as items of art for the home.
I use food safe finishes for all my work.
For a larger bowl I like to start with a log that is at least 27 inches in diameter so that I can avoid the central portion of the log and the cracks that can start there.
Then I lay out the bowls on the end grain and chain saw that central portion out.
From here I trim the blank down to near net shape also with the chain saw; this reduces weight and imbalance for the lathe. The blank is now usually below 150 pounds and I can hoist it to the lathe. The blank is rough turned and left quite thick.
I seal the end grain and air dry the blank for at least three months then I remount the blank and lightly turn the bowl as I approach the final size and shape. I do this three or four times. Then I heat treat the blank in the oven to further reduce moisture and stabilize the bowl. Now, after the bowls weight rebounds and stabilizes I can finish the bowl and it will retain its shape well. With all the steps and stages, some of these larger bowls take more than 15 hours to produce.
I view my work first as sculpture, so, the shapes themselves are important to me.
Next I want the wood grain to be clearly defined. This is where most of the real work is because it takes a lot of sanding to let the grain show clearly.
Thirdly I view some of my work as functional or useful, such as, salad bowls, boxes,
spoons and small tables.
I use locally sourced wood that would go to land fill or to the shredder as mulch
for most of my work. I give the wood a second life as items of art for the home.
I use food safe finishes for all my work.
For a larger bowl I like to start with a log that is at least 27 inches in diameter so that I can avoid the central portion of the log and the cracks that can start there.
Then I lay out the bowls on the end grain and chain saw that central portion out.
From here I trim the blank down to near net shape also with the chain saw; this reduces weight and imbalance for the lathe. The blank is now usually below 150 pounds and I can hoist it to the lathe. The blank is rough turned and left quite thick.
I seal the end grain and air dry the blank for at least three months then I remount the blank and lightly turn the bowl as I approach the final size and shape. I do this three or four times. Then I heat treat the blank in the oven to further reduce moisture and stabilize the bowl. Now, after the bowls weight rebounds and stabilizes I can finish the bowl and it will retain its shape well. With all the steps and stages, some of these larger bowls take more than 15 hours to produce.